The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has embarked on a comprehensive investigation into 44 former MPs of the recently dissolved Move Forward Party (MFP). These politicians are under scrutiny for signing an agreement to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code, more widely recognized as the lese majeste law. The inquiry, which is predicted to extend over the next six months, marks a significant step in addressing potential misconduct. According to the NACC’s secretary-general, Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, preliminary fact-finding has established legitimate grounds for the allegations against the former MFP MPs. They were previously declared guilty by the Constitutional Court on January 31, accused of attempting to undermine the constitutional monarchy. Mr. Niwatchai elaborated on the forthcoming procedures, which involve the gathering of corroborative evidence and issuing notifications to the accused, allowing them the opportunity to counter the accusations. Following this phase, the NACC will compile a comprehensive summary of the findings…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
It’s often whispered in the corridors of power: major political parties can’t escape being manipulated, but the strings aren’t pulled by their registered leaders. Enter the shadow figures—chaperones, puppet masters, the power behind the throne—who pull the levers and turn the knobs that steer the political machinery. A source in the know tipped me off that Thai politics has long been entangled with these “de facto leaders” who find it excruciatingly hard to let go of their control. Over the years, key political parties have often been under the thumb of larger-than-life personalities, wielding significant sway over policy decisions and party direction. Fast-forward to today, and the likes of Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai parties find themselves in a similar scenario. These giants control nearly half the representatives in Thailand’s House. The manipulative politics have some calling it a “manipulative democracy,” deeply embedded in the country’s political ethos. And guess what?…
The hum of excitement filled the air as the Defence Council passed a newly amended draft of the Defence Ministry Administration Act, setting the stage for a significant shift in military governance. This groundbreaking amendment empowers the prime minister to suspend any military personnel suspected of being intricately involved in plotting a coup. Defence spokesman, Rear Admiral Thanitpong Sirisawetsak, revealed that alongside this pivotal draft, the council also approved the Military Court Authority Act, both of which are now on their way to the Secretariat of the Cabinet for cabinet approval. The innovative Defence Ministry Administration Act, championed by Defence Minister Sutin Klungsaeng, was proposed on April 19, detailed Jamnong Chaimongkol, the caretaker vice minister of defence. Just in the nick of time, the council wrapped up the amendment approval before the Constitutional Court’s decree to oust former prime minister Srettha Thavisin on a dramatic Wednesday. Mr. Jamnong elaborated that…
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has taken a bold step and launched an investigation into 44 ex-MPs from the now-defunct Move Forward Party (MFP). These former parliamentarians stand accused of signing an agreement aimed at amending Section 112 of the Criminal Code, widely known as the lese majeste law. Buckle up, because this riveting probe is expected to span about six months, and it could get wild. According to NACC secretary-general Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, preliminary findings have provided substantial grounds for these allegations. You see, these 44 individuals were already found guilty by the Constitutional Court in late January for intentions to rock the boat of the constitutional monarchy. Now, the NACC aims to dig deeper by gathering evidence and formally notifying each accused individual of their charges, giving them a fair shot to present their side of the story. Mr. Niwatchai explained that the commission’s next steps involve pulling together…
Experts are earnestly advising the public to dial down on salt, aiming to mitigate the risk of preventable maladies such as heart disease and stroke. A recent report has spotlighted an alarming trend: the average Thai person consumes nearly double the recommended daily intake of sodium. Amplifying the urgency of this issue, “Less Salt”—a coalition of health advocacy groups—has been fervently campaigning for clearer guidelines on sodium consumption. Through meticulous efforts, they have been cataloging the sodium content found in foods commonly enjoyed by Thais. Krisada Hanbunjerd, the spearhead of Less Salt’s Non-Communicable Diseases division, shared that this initiative first saw the light of day in 2020 in the province of Phayao. Fuelled by support from the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, Mahidol University, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the network aims to broaden its survey to encompass more provinces next year. “Our goal is to provide consumers with a…
The unveiling of a state-of-the-art digital forensics centre is on the horizon, marking a major milestone in the relentless pursuit of cybercriminals. Pol Maj Gen Athip Pongsiwapai, head of the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), revealed this forthcoming addition aimed at ramping up efforts to combat the increasingly sophisticated realm of cybercrime. This cutting-edge hub will be outfitted with advanced technological tools and staffed by adept individuals skilled at dismantling the digital operations of those who circulate fake news or engage in fraudulent activities online. “We’re launching a digital forensics centre under TCSD this month,” announced Pol Maj Gen Athip. “Consider it a virtual SWAT unit, dedicated to unearthing and collecting digital evidence to bring cyber lawbreakers to justice.” The TCSD has been spearheading cybercrime combat since its inception in 2009, initially tackling a surge of politically and security-sensitive fake news rampant on social media from 2011 to 2012. However,…
Each year, secondhand smoke leads to the tragic loss of more than 9,000 lives in Thailand, a figure notably higher than that of the United States, according to a recent report. The Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) shed light on the country’s social climate for the first quarter of 2024 in a presentation to the cabinet, revealing some startling statistics. The report spotlighted crucial issues such as labor challenges, rampant household debt, public safety, consumer protection, and health concerns, with a particular focus on the prolific consumption of alcohol and tobacco. Alarmingly, the number of patients afflicted by epidemiological surveillance diseases surged to 259,672 in the first quarter alone—a staggering 80.1% rise from the previous year. This spike can largely be blamed on lingering outbreaks from the preceding year. For instance, influenza cases skyrocketed by an eyewatering 195.2%, while dengue fever reported a 106.8% uptick.…
The harmonious hum of opportunity reverberates through Thailand’s expanding elderly care industry, a thriving sector buoyed by the country’s evolving demographic landscape, as assertively discussed by the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO). Stepping into the scene, Director-General Poonpong Naiyanapakorn puts forth a vivid narrative: Thailand is not just witnessing, but embracing a transformation into an ageing society, with a burgeoning elderly population becoming the new norm as birth rates decline steadily. Drawing on data from the United Nations (UN), Naiyanapakorn highlights a fascinating trend—13.06 million individuals in Thailand, astonishingly 20% of the entire population, were aged over 60 last year. This marks a significant leap, a 4.3% increase from the previous year. The numbers speak for themselves, revealing a pattern that reflects an average growth rate of 4.8% every four years over the past decade. This shift towards a greyer populace isn’t a mere blip on the radar; it’s…
The Supha Wongsena Foundation For Debtors’ Rights Reform has made an impassioned appeal to the government for increased funding for the Land Bank Administration Institute to aid individuals in clearing their debts. This call to action emerged during a riveting seminar on household debt solutions last Thursday, organized by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) at the DSI Academy in Nong Chok district. Arjin Joonglook, the determined vice chairwoman of the foundation, revealed that her organization is spearheading a project to assist debtors in avoiding asset seizure. She recounted an illustrative case from Phatthalung. In this example, a man had lost his home due to an outstanding debt with the Government Savings Bank. Turning to the foundation for help, he found support in a time of dire need. The foundation successfully facilitated a loan for the debtor from the Land Bank of the Land Bank Administration Institute. With hope rekindled,…
In an electrifying display of political fervor, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, fondly known as “Ung Ing,” greeted a throng of supporters and media representatives during a press conference held at the new headquarters of the Pheu Thai Party on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road. This gathering came hot on the heels of her momentous victory in the House of Representatives, where she was elected as Thailand’s 31st prime minister. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) At just 37 years old, Paetongtarn, daughter of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, is set to bring a breath of fresh air to Thai politics. She addressed the media with conviction, promising to forge a brighter future for all Thai citizens by creating opportunities and enhancing the quality of life. The House’s vote in her favor signified an overwhelming support, making her the nation’s youngest prime minister ever. The numbers speak volumes. Paetongtarn secured an impressive 319 votes, even garnering the support of…